Units of Study
6th Grade Course Outline and Pacing Guide
Unit 1: Music Fundamentals & Starting on Instrument
Duration: 9 weeks
By the end of Unit 1, all students...
Should be assigned to an instrument
Have an instrument in their possession
Be able to assemble/disassemble/clean their instrument
Understand how to produce characteristic sounds with the appropriate embouchure and air support
Know and consistently produce the correct pitch on their mouthpiece only
Be able to count and perform rhythms including whole/half/quarter notes and rests
Play with a steady pulse
Use correct articulation to start sounds
Be able to play the first five notes on their instruments and all corresponding exercises in the beginning band method book.
Unit 2: Preparing for First Performance
Duration: 9 weeks
In this unit, students will prepare for their first performance in front of an audience. They will also still be increasing their knowledge of rhythm, expanding their range, starting to learn about key signatures and scales and always striving for a characteristic tone quality. Students will become aware of how to listen for melodic lines if playing songs that are not in unison, and keep a steady pulse together as a group. They will begin using dynamics when appropriate, and articulate as indicated in their music.
Unit 3: Developing Technique and Musical Knowledge
Duration: 9 weeks
During this unit, students will develop a deeper understanding of key signatures, intonation, eighth note rhythm patterns, expanded range, different articulation styles and dynamic ranges. Percussion will be introduced to timpani. Everyone will learn new scales/rudiments.
Unit 4: Preparing for Solo and Ensemble
Duration: 3 weeks
Students will prepare a solo and/or small ensemble piece to perform either for SCBDA Solo & Ensemble or for a school produced in-house event. SCBDA Solo & Ensemble takes place in late April/early May. Students must make a commitment by early-mid March, so it is recommended to give out information to families by mid-late February. Some students will be ready to participate in Solo & Ensemble and others will not. Those not ready should be given an opportunity to showcase their solo or small ensemble work during the Spring Concert or at some other time for a large audience before the end of their 6th grade year. Students should feel comfortable playing alone and with small groups where their individual part can be heard.
Unit 5: Preparing for Spring Concert
Duration: 6 weeks
In this unit, students will prepare music at a grade 1 level for a performance. They should be able to play in the keys of Bb and Eb, 4/4 time and 2/4 or ¾, at varying tempos and styles. Students should demonstrate ensemble skills like balance, blend, and response to conductor instructions and cues. During this performance this is an excellent opportunity to introduce students to dotted quarter notes rhythms.
7th Grade Course Outline and Pacing Guide
Unit 1 - 6th Grade Fundamentals Review
Duration: 3 weeks
During the first 2-3 weeks of the new school year all information learned in 6th grade band will be reviewed to ensure new information can be built upon firm fundamental skills. 6th grade review will include identifying pitches on the staff, demonstrating knowledge of the correct fingerings for notes on their instrument, ability to count/clap/tizzle and play basic rhythms (whole, half, quarter and eighth notes and rests combinations), identify and explain music symbols, play 3 or more one octave scales and consistently produce a characteristic tone.
Unit 2 - 7th Grade Band New Concepts Part 1
Duration: 6 weeks
Topics to be covered will include dotted quarter note rhythm patterns, at least one new scale, extending range, progress in the band method book, and preparation for a Fall performance. Emphasis on characteristic tone quality, intonation and good practice habits will be made every day.
Unit 3 - Winter Concert Preparation
Duration: 6 weeks
Students will prepare music for a winter performance. Music will be at a grade 1-1.5 and incorporate musical concepts, notes and rhythms that students are familiar with or are actively learning. In class, students will review dotted quarter note rhythms and add sixteenth note rhythm patterns. Woodwinds will learn at least one two octave scale, and students will be beginning or already in the first part of the second band method book.
Unit 4 - Preparing for Honor Band Auditions
Duration: 3 weeks
In this unit students will learn the fundamentals of auditioning for an honor band. While it is understood that not all students will be ready to audition for an honor band, it is crucially important to teach components of the audition to all students. Preparing for an audition will stretch and extend the students' playing ability.
Unit 5 - 7th Grade Band New Concepts Part 2
Duration: 3 weeks
In this unit, emphasis will be placed on student learning and reviewing technique skills. During this unit, instruction will continue in the method book while covering the topics pertinent to bridging the gap between 7th and 8th grade band.
Unit 6 - Preparing for the South Carolina Band Directors Association Concert Performance Assessment
Duration: 6 weeks
In this unit, students will prepare three concert band selections at grade 1½ -2 to perform for a panel of adjudicators. During this process, the teacher will choose contrasting styles and discuss with students cultural connections, and music history as applicable (for example, march style, typical march layout and famous march composers). Emphasis will be made on individual musicianship and responsibility as well as ensemble skills like following the conductor, balance, and blend. Students will also continue to practice and develop sight-reading skills during the unit to prepare for the sight-reading room.
Unit 7- Solo and Ensemble Preparation
Duration: 3 weeks
Students will prepare a solo and/or small ensemble piece for performance at school or at the SCBDA Solo and Ensemble event that takes place in late April/early May.
Students will strengthen their sense of pulse (must play with accompaniment), technical fluency and individual musicianship by participating in a solo event. Those preparing a duet or other ensemble will have a chance to work on teamwork skills, focus on intonation, timing, complementing the melody and independence.
Unit 8- Spring Performance Preparation
Duration: 6 weeks
In this unit, students will be preparing music that is a grade 1.5-2 for performance. Emphasis should be placed on characteristic tone quality, balance and blend, and technical fluency as well as ensemble skills. Selected music will contain musical elements that students have been learning in class. A variety of styles, cultures, keys, tempos and meters will be represented.
8th Grade Course Outline and Pacing Guide
Unit 1 - 7th Grade Fundamentals Review
Duration: 3 weeks
Students will review concepts learned in 7th grade. Characteristic tone quality will be addressed first, along with rhythm patterns, scales, keys, dynamics, articulations previously learned.
Unit 2 - 8th Grade Band New Concepts Part 1
Duration: 6 weeks
Students will learn new sixteenth note rhythm patterns, and 6/8 time counted in 6. Emphasis on characteristic tone quality, intonation and good practice habits will be made every day. Students will be continuing the second level of their band method book, or moving on to level 3 or equivalent.
Unit 3 - Winter Concert Preparation
Duration: 6 weeks
Students will prepare music for a winter performance. Music performed will be at grade 2- 2½ and incorporate musical concepts, notes and rhythms that students are familiar with or are actively learning. Students will review newer rhythm patterns and become more confident with 6/8 time. Students may begin learning cut time.
Unit 4 - Preparing for Honor Band Auditions
Duration: 3 weeks
In this unit students will learn the fundamentals of auditioning for an honor band. While it is understood that not all students will be ready to audition for an honor band it is crucially important to teach components of the audition to all students. Preparing for an audition will stretch and extend the students' playing ability.
Unit 5 - 8th Grade Band New Concepts Part 2
Duration: 3 weeks
In this unit, emphasis will be placed on students learning the musical and technical skills they will need for successful upcoming Spring performances. Topics to be covered include all 7 junior major scales, 6/8 time in 2, cut time, eighth note triplets, sight-reading, and improvisation.
Unit 6 - Preparing for the South Carolina Band Directors Association Concert Performance Assessment
Duration: 6 weeks
In this unit, students will prepare three concert band selections at grade 2-3 to perform for a panel of adjudicators. During this process, the teacher will choose contrasting styles and discuss with students cultural connections, and music history as applicable (for example, march style, typical march layout and famous march composers). Emphasis should be made on individual musicianship and responsibility as well as ensemble skills like following the conductor, balance, and blend. Students will also continue to practice and develop sight-reading skills during the unit to prepare for the sight-reading room.
Unit 7- Solo and Ensemble Preparation
Duration: 3 weeks
Students will prepare a solo and/or small ensemble piece for performance at school or at the SCBDA Solo and Ensemble event that takes place in late April/early May.
Students will strengthen their sense of pulse (must play with accompaniment), technical fluency and individual musicianship by participating in a solo event. Those preparing a duet or other ensemble will have a chance to work on teamwork skills, focus on intonation, timing, complementing the melody and independence.
Unit 8- Spring Performance Preparation
Duration: 6 weeks
In this unit, students will be preparing music that is a grade 2-3 ½ for performance. Emphasis should be placed on characteristic tone quality, balance and blend, and technical fluency as well as ensemble skills. Selected music will contain musical elements that students have been learning in class. A variety of styles, cultures, keys, tempos and meters will be represented.